Tuesday, September 07, 2010

REVIEW: Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti

At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents’ unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa’s ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school’s ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she?

After a lot of really heavy reading in August, I really needed something a little lighter and something quite gentle on my heart. And I found what I needed with Susane Colasanti's Waiting For You. I think gentle is the right word for the two Colasanti books I've read so far... the characters and relationships are very ordinary and realistic. Everything is a little toned down from the melodramatics of a lot of paranormal romances out there and it is refreshing to read about! It was just what I needed.

I really loved Marisa's character. She's a little unsure of herself going into her sophomore year of high school, especially as she's had issues with anxiety and depression in the past that she'd like to forget about and move on from. And then Derek, the guy she has her eye on asks her out! But things aren't as smooth as they appear... problems at home, with her best friend Sterling, with her best guy-pal Nash. Only Dirty Dirk, the anonymous DJ seems to really get her. But who is he?

There was so much of the story that I could relate to. An anxiety disorder? Tick. Depression? Tick. Parents splitting up? Tick. I found myself smiling a lot at Sterling's foray into online dating as well. I have much experience there! Sadly, they did not have the hilarious results as Sterling and her adventures.

Honestly, this whole book made me feel relaxed and content. It's pretty straightforward and it isn't a a big surprise as to who ends up with who and who the mysterious DJ is. Predictable? Maybe. But I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Despite the reader knowing who should end up with who, the characters take more time to make up their own minds and try out different relationships. Perfectly healthy and normal. None of this passionate and all-consuming love right from the beginning. Thankfully.

So two thumbs-up for Susane Colasanti! Will definitely looking out for more of her books!

11 comments:

  1. I have never heard of this author before, but the book sounds like a nice easy read for those stressful mindblowing times we all havel.

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  2. I lovewd her first two books, but haven't got my hands on this yet. I think I should!

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  3. Vivienne - She's really good, the other book I've read of hers 'When It Happens' was also good, kind of reminiscent of Say Anything... With John Cusack. I recommend her, though I think her stuff is only available online.

    Sophie - You really should, it was quite good! I still have Take Me There waiting for me and she has another book out, doesn't she?

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  4. Great review! I've never read any of her books and I might just have to pick one up after your fab review!

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  5. This sounds really good. I love trying new authors so I might give this one a read!

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  6. I've only read When It Happens, but I'm definitely going to read some more of Susane Colasanti after your review. Waiting for You sounds really fun and quite light-herted - I'll keep an eye out for it!

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  7. Lucie - I hope you do, she write really sweet stories :)

    SJH - She does come highly recommended from me, so please do check her out!

    Liz - It is fun and light-hearted and I don't know about you, but I so need fun and light-hearted some days!

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  8. This one sounds really good - I'm adding it to my wish list.

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  9. one more page - it's really sweet, I hope you read it and love it.

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  10. Sounds great. Resisting urge to add it to the 360+ books already on the wishlist ;)

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